High Up On Our Wishlist: Chunky Mary Janes

“Don’t stomp your little last-season Prada shoes at me, honey.” Who can forget Enrique the pool boy accusing Elle of (gasp) wearing last season in the closing courtroom scenes of Legally Blonde? Now, with Mary Janes big news for 2020, we’d kill to get hold of those T-bar heels, whether they’re last season or not. By our estimation, they’re probably AW00, and a vintage like that is hard to find *sigh.  

Besides teaching us that scented resumés go a long way, Elle showed us the power-dressing potential of a Prada Mary Jane. They combine conservative boss-vibes with feminine charm, and as September rolls around and the office calls, that’s a look we want to channel. Luckily, the cult ‘90s shoe is back in a big way, with chunky soles and single straps that take them out of the school yard and into grown-up territory. 

Popularised in the ‘60s by mod designers like Mary Quant and supermodel Twiggy, Mary Janes have a hallowed place in popular culture – synonymous with Clueless’ Cher Horowitz and Gossip Girl’s Blaire Waldorf. There’s a common thread – all of the big and small screen’s most fashion-obsessed stars love a Mary Jane. It’s no coincidence that they’re a runway heavyweight and seasonal regular for Prada, Miu Miu, Celine, Gucci, Chanel and more. 

A love-letter to the styles worn by Elle and Cher, AW20’s Mary Janes are bigger and bolder than their predecessors. Prada is on fire this season – their sporty touch strap shoes come with a heavy tread and square toe, whilst Paris-LA label Nodaleto’s chunky heels have a ‘90s school-girl-grunge feel to them – perfect for September’s back-to-work mood. If you want to recreate Cher’s look, check out Miu Miu for super-sweet white pumps and polished platforms, or Burberry for big-soled flats. The chunkier, the better. In this case, size really does matter.